Atagi Patrick, the chairman of NIHC National Industry Hemp Council, has been appointed to be part of United State’s Agricultural Technical Advisory Caucuses, ATACs, for Trade in Peanuts, Cotton, and Tobacco.
The committee members provide counsel and suggestions about trade provisions to the USDA, United States Department Of Agriculture, and America’s Trade Representative departments. They consist of senior officials from the entire agricultural community who offer guidance on trade policy matters such as negotiation of revised agreements or operation of current trade accords
On Thursday after his appointment, Patrick said that he was honoured to serve and looked forward to supporting the hemp sector. He also thanked Sonny Perdue, departing USDA secretary, for his belief and looked forward to working with USTR-designate Katherine Kai and secretary-designate Vilsack Tom under the incoming Biden administration.
In July, Kevin Latner, NIHC’s deputy president for trade, was appointed to be part of a USDA department that offers reform input regarding processed edibles such as cannabinoids and other hemp-based commodities.
The ATAC for Cotton, Peanuts and Tobacco mandate is to counsel, liaise with and offer recommendations to the USTR and Agriculture Secretary on issues affecting the Country and its producers, processors, traders and consumers of tobacco, peanuts and tobacco.
The commission also offers insight and guidance on trade matters affecting both foreign and local trade and production of cotton, peanuts and tobacco.
ATAC also crafts advisory reviews and reports concerning trade policy as asked by the United States Trade Representative and the Agriculture secretary.
In August, NIHC and the NASDA, National Association of the State Departments of Agriculture, both wrote to the Senate and House appropriators pushing for the hemp pilot project expansion to be featured in a COVID-19 relief package or an ongoing resolution. On the same day, NASDA and NHIC wrote to Perdue requesting his diplomacy to expand the pilot measure.
